Poor crowd, for both games. In game one, Lebanon and Pound played a relatively low scoring game, the Pioneers ended up with around a ten point lead at halftime before coasting to around a 20 point win. Lebanon is trying to rebuild after losing some athletes the last couple of years, I'd be shocked if the Pioneers finished higher than third in the Clinch Mountain when its all said and done. Tonight was the second time I have seen them and they struggle to score the ball. Against Pound, they broke the game open with pressure defense which led to easy buckets in transition.
The second game featured a Council squad that entered at 4-1 and a JJ Kelly squad that has continued to improve. After leading by just two points at the end of the first quarter, the Indians held the Cobras to just one bucket in the second period as Kelly outscored Council 13-2 in the quarter. Kelly kept the intensity in the early minutes of the second half as the Tribe forced several turnovers which led to wide open looks on the offensive end. I've seen Kelly play four times and they looked much better tonight. The inside prescience of Jeremiah Cooke has been a big help while both Clark boys are knocking down shots from the perimeter. The improved play of Gipe and Shortt has aided the Indians as well. I don't look for Kelly to have trouble with anybody in the Lonesome Pine District other than Powell Valley. I'd expect that game to be played in the 30's and 40's as it was last year. Both teams will play aggressive defense and wont give up nearly the amount of open looks that both teams have received in a couple games that I've watched.
Tomorrow's Semi-Final Match Ups:
Lebanon vs. JJ Kelly 7:00 p.m. (rematch of last year's regional tournament game)
John I Burton vs. Clintwood 8:30
Losers Bracket Games (I'm not sure on times.)
St. Paul vs. Jenkins 4:00?
Pound vs. Council 5:30?
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